The nuclear controversy

Japan’s nuclear nightmare has prompted a re-examination of the 104 current U.S. facilities and our nation’s energy policies. What proportion of our energy should be nuclear? How does current technology differ from that of three decades ago? In light of Japan’s crisis, should U.S. nuclear development move slower or faster? California has two nuclear plants. A moratorium is in place on new facilities in the state until arrangements have been made for permanent disposal of radioactive waste. Op-eds in this week’s Dialog section address these matters and more.